The term 21st-century is composed of two words: 'NEW' and 'MODERN'. The word 'NEW' is a three-letter word that refers to something that has recently been created or introduced. The word 'MODERN' is a six-letter word that refers to something that is up-to-date, contemporary, or advanced in comparison to the past. Together, these two words describe the current era, which began in the year 2001 and is still ongoing.